Photoprotective Effects of Hydroalcohol Tagetes Erectus Extract Against UV-Induced Oxidative Damage in Mice

Purpose: To investigate the effects of topical application of Tagetes erectus hydroalcohol extract as a dermal antioxidant agent and evaluate its capacity to prevent ultraviolet (UV)–induced oxidative damage. Methods: The plant flower was extracted with aqueous ethanol (60 %). Female Lacca mice were divided into five groups of 24 animals each. Group I was un-irradiated control (neither UV exposure nor any treatment received). Group II was irradiated control and received 5 min UV exposure twice a day. Groups III, 1V and V received both UV exposure and treatment of different concentrations of the extract, 4 h. prior to UV exposure. The degree of protection was quantified using biochemical tests (lipid peroxidation and glutathione level) and histopathological assessment. Results: The results showed that 2% topical extract treatment reduced the effect of UV light-induced photoaging on mice skin by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) level by up to 50 % and increasing glutathione (GSH) level 3-fold (p < 0.01) compared to UV-irradiated control group. Histopathological evaluation also indicated a photo-protective effect on the extract-treated mice skin as no signs of histological changes were seen after UV exposure. Conclusion: Topical application of T .erectus has a potential for preventing oxidative damage by UV irradiation.